Yay, it’s MAY! One month closer to the best summer EVER. We are here to help guild you and your camper, don’t worry! We created a list of our favorite and most helpful tips we hear from many camp directors year after year for new campers.
1. Stay positive about the separation this summer! Don’t focus on what your camper will be missing (family pets, bed, friends, vacations), but discuss what he or she has to look forward to at camp!
2. Communicate with directors about any and everything. From social concerns to medication issues and any changes that have occurred during the year. The camp/parent partnership can only benefit your camper.
3. Fill out those camp forms as detailed as you can be. Camp directors and counselors study them! Specific needs for your child’s bunk needs, eating, or health center items. If homesickness comes up, normalize it! “It’s ok to miss your favorite things at home. You’re going to have an awesome time! Summer will fly by, you will be having so much fun.”
4. If homesickness comes up, normalize it! “It’s ok to miss your favorite things at home. You’re going to have an awesome time! Summer will fly by, you will be having so much fun.”
5. Camps offer so many different activities and adventures. Make sure to discuss them with your camper. Talk to them about trying something new and keeping an open mind. Many camps offer day trips that are optional and require an additional sign up. Discuss these trips with your camper before camp.
6. If your camp offers a New Camper weekend or a Meet and Greet take advantage of those events. It’s a great way for your camper to meet kids in their bunks, visit camp one more time (if it’s at camp), or meet the staff.
7. Keep all “camp talk” light! From now all the way through the summer.
8. It’s ok to over pack a bit if that will make your camper feel comfortable. Make sure to send your camper’s stuffed animal, a favorite book or two, extra bedding and any other item that makes them feel at home; if there’s something your camper sleeps with every night, please make sure to send it! No camper is too old, security items should be sent with them for the summer.
9. CAMP IS WHERE CHILDREN LEARN INDEPENDENCE! Never promise to PICK UP YOUR CHILD. He or she might ask in the time between now and camp! It’s totally normal to get cold feet at this time of the year. Remind your camper that you’ve made a commitment as a family, that camp is only for a short amount of time, and that you know he or she is in a safe place. Springtime is also a great time to pull out that promo video or visit the camp’s websites to watch their camp videos with your child. Let them visualize the awesome place they will call their “second home”.
